Smooth freshwater stingray

Fontitrygon garouaensis

Smooth disc feeding on aquatic insect larvae

Tropical
Lower river
Regional distribution
Freshwater fish
Africa
Other
Medium
Tropical fish

The Niger stingray or smooth freshwater stingray (Fontitrygon garouaensis) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, native to rivers in Nigeria and Cameroon. Attaining a width of 40 cm (16 in), this species can be distinguished by its thin, almost circular pectoral fin disk, slightly projecting snout tip, and mostly smooth skin with small or absent dermal denticles. The Niger stingray feeds on aquatic insect larvae and is ovoviviparous.

Class: Sharks and Rays
Order: Stingrays
Family: Dasyatidae
Genus: Fontitrygon
Maximum length: 40 cm
Water: Freshwater
Body shape: other
Distribution: Africa: Benue River in Cameroon and Nigeria, and Niger River downstream from its confluence with the Benue River (Ref. 3497 , 81259 ). Also reported from Lagos Lagoon, Cross River and Sanaga River (Ref. 81259 , 81625 ).
Conservation status: CRCritically Endangered

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